Subtraction Games

The basic skills that we learn in our beginning math classes are addition and subtraction. They are a child’s first step into the enchanting or sometimes dangerous world of math. These skills can be mastered by the child in two ways, either by the repetitive classroom practice or through fun games. The traditional repetitive method has become outdated and less efficient to imprint the basic math lessons on your child’s mind. If you help your child learn addition and subtraction through games, then double are the advantages you get from them. Your child can enjoy his childhood through those fun games. You can drill the math lessons without being the tough schoolmaster. Thus, the recommended way to introduce math skills and problem solving skills to your child at an early age is through the medium of games.

Subtraction is addition in the reverse form. Once your child masters his addition skills, then the next step is to make him master his subtraction skills. Normally students learn subtraction through simple one-digit problems. Later they will move on to acquire the skills necessary to subtract between multiple digits. This arduous task in the paper can be made much simpler, easier and funnier with the help of subtraction games. There are many options to play subtraction games, through card games, bingo or block games. Here are some of the frequently opted ways by most of the parents to play subtraction games.

Bingo is a game used by teachers to help their students learn subtraction and addition. It is adaptable, funnier, easier and without any expensive resources. It is played using Bingo cards. In the case of subtraction, bingo cards will contain subtraction problems. Students have to find the answers and write the answers on these cards rather than simply crossing items off the cards. The rules of this game are same as the ordinary bingo game. It is easy to prepare these subtraction bingo cards. You can use the help of the internet, which will give you enough resources to print readymade Bingo cards.

We can also master subtraction with the help of base ten blocks. There are four different base ten blocks namely cubes(ones), rods (tens), flats(hundreds) and blocks(thousands).Ten cubes can be traded for one rod since both are worth ten. Trading down is the conversion of larger place value blocks into smaller place value blocks. In order to master the skills of subtraction your child should be made known how to trade down rods, flats and blocks. In order to describe the procedure using base ten blocks, we have to master certain terms like minuend, subtrahend and difference. Minuend is the amount from which you are subtracting. Subtrahend is the amount you are subtracting and difference is the final answer.

To begin the game you have to represent the minuend with the base ten blocks. Then remove from the minuend enough blocks that represent the subtrahend. The remaining minuend piles after the removal of the subtrahend will be the difference. If you do not have enough blocks to represent the subtrahend, then trade down to get enough small place value blocks. Your child will find the subtraction with the base ten blocks definitely interesting.

These are some subtraction games usually played. You can also adapt many games to include the subtraction skills with the help of your imagination. Thus, make your child’s learning into a fun activity.

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